Introduce Yourself

Hi, Paul Hikari. Great to meet you. Congratulations on King of Blades winning the accolades! Incredible voice acting!

I suggest using a photo of yourself as your profile picture. People will feel more comfortable networking and collaborating with you if they know what you look like. You can upload a picture by clicking the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and selecting “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu, then clicking the red button underneath your location and choosing "Update profile picture."

Paul Hikari that is some serious pro level on your voice acting - wow. nice work sir. Will be rooting for you and the King of Blades project! cheers

Hi Paul Hikari, welcome to Stage 32 and so great to meet you! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32.

Your background as a voice actor, writer, and video editor is seriously impressive, and King of Blades already earning a substantial number of accolades is an amazing achievement. Fingers crossed it finds the right home as a feature or series.

Since you’re working across performance and storytelling, I think you’ll really enjoy spending time in the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). They’re great spaces to connect with collaborators who understand character, voice, and narrative, especially for animation, games, and genre-driven projects. You might also find the Post-Production Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/post_production) helpful given your editing and sound background.

Being based in Los Angeles is a huge plus here as well, you’ll find a lot of local creatives, producers, and industry professionals active throughout the platform.

I’d also love to invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful global connections, and make the most of the platform as you grow projects like these:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun...

Welcome again, we’re really glad to have you here. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work and watching your journey unfold on Stage 32.

Hey Paul Hikari, welcome! It's great to see a multi-talented creator join the community. "King of Blades" sounds epic, huge congrats on the accolades! That voice acting reel in gaming and animation is a fantastic skill set to bring to the table as a writer. Since you're already racking up wins, you might find this hub for screenwriting contests interesting as a next step for exposure: Stage 32 Screenwriting Contests & Competitions (https://www.stage32.com/blog/tags/contests-49) Looking forward to connecting and hearing more about your projects!

Hi, Max Sappa! Happy New Year! How are things?

nice to meet you Max Sappa - what are you planning to work this year? cheers

Hi Max Sappa , this is such a writer’s introduction in the best possible way. I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and it’s great to e-meet you.

The range you’re working in, sci-fi, mystery, drama, thriller, really shows your curiosity about the human spirit and the darker corners around it. Huge congratulations on FOREVER AND EVER winning first prize and on Respect 101 reaching over 170,000 views. That kind of audience connection doesn’t happen by accident.

I think you’d feel right at home in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), especially given your mix of written work and short films. Those spaces are great for sharing process, talking craft, and meeting collaborators who appreciate bold narrative choices. If you’re interested in deeper feedback, industry access, and open writing opportunities, the Writer’s Room can also be a strong resource, and there’s a free month available if you’d like to explore it: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.

I’d also love to invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful global connections, and make the most of the platform:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun...

Thanks for sharing your work so generously and for bringing such a creative energy into the community.

Hi Max Sappa Love the "mini trilogy" idea. Congrats on the success of Respect 101 and the award for Forever and Ever, that's awesome! I'm really intrigued by the undying chess match concept. ere's a neat article on how someone used Stage 32 to make their short film, since you're just getting started here: How Stage 32 Was an Essential Tool for Making My Short Film: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-stage-32-was-an-essential-tool-for-maki...

Hi, B Reuben Burns. Great to meet you. Hope you're enjoying the new year! Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, executives, directors, writers, actors, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...

Stage 32's next Community Open House will be January 28th. It'll also help you make connections. You can sign up for free here: www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-community-open...

Stage 32 has a Screenwriting Lounge where you can get advice, ask questions, find resources, share tips, and get feedback (www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting).

Your new office. The ASUS ProArt P16 (H7606); Copilot+ PC. I am an ‘Apple Guy’, however this is the time to cross-over. With your new office running a local AI (Ollama / LM Studio) you now have your production node. Combined with Adobe or Apple’s new Apple Creator Studio plus all the tools you are used to, for me it’s Truby’s BB6 and Final Draft, create a network from preproduction to distribution. The network is already here.

Hi B Reuben …Thank you so much for the connection! Pleasure to make your acquaintance!

Great post — really resonates. I love how you approach storytelling and development from both a creative and practical perspective. Looking forward to seeing more of your work here on Stage 32.

Hi, Sera Yılmaz. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

Stage 32's next Community Open House will be January 28th. It'll also help you navigate the platform and make connections. You can ask questions about the platform, networking, and more live. Here's the link to sign up for free: www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-community-open...

Since you’re a minor, make sure your parents or guardians are aware of your account and have access to it. Also, be especially careful about privately connecting with anyone on the platform.

hi Sera Yılmaz - welcome to Stage32. Any relation to the famous Turkish actress by the same name?

no Sebastian Tudores

Way to go! My daughter just turned 21 and she started at about your age. She's now a full-time working actress!Congrats on getting rolling and following your passions so early in life!

Thank you! I write my books and some of my scripts in English. My dream is to turn them into a TV series Libby Wright

Hey Cyrus Sales! So great to see you reintroducing yourself. I just want to say how much I appreciate the energy, expertise, and generosity you bring to both the Post Production Lounge and the Animation Lounge. I love how open you are to connecting with creatives across disciplines. Looking forward to seeing more great conversations sparked by you this weekend and beyond.

Kevin Jackson I look forward to seeing what you create! Are you working with anyone or it just you working on the proejct?

Maurice Vaughan You know what? I remember reading an article in the animation lounge about vertical series. Not too sure what I thought it was. Keep us posted on how it develops.

Ashley Renee Smith Hey! It means a lot to hear that, especially coming from someone who values community and collaboration the way you do. I really appreciate it, thank you.

Ok, I will, Cyrus Sales. I took a webinar about verticals on Stage 32 called "Understanding Vertical Storytelling "Verticals" 101" (www.stage32.com/education/products/understanding-vertical-storytelling-v...). I definitely recommend it!

Hi, Matthew Thompson. Hope you're having a great year! I can see that being a movie. I think either a Drama Horror, Sci-Fi Drama, or Sci-Fi Horror.

Matthew Thompson love the poster you generated, it definitely peaks my interest. Excited to see what you turn this dream into.

Hello,

nice to meet you.

I’m also a sci-fi author and screenwriter. I really like how you’re integrating your passion into your sci-fi journey—it clearly shows how much love and dedication you have for your world.

I wish you the best of luck with your writing and hope you find great opportunities.

Cool stuffs

would love to connect

welcome to stage 32

Greetings from Louisiana-- which is often mistaken as another planet lol!

Libby Wright California, where I really grew up, is another planet.

Michael A. Clement truth!

Hi, Muhammad Zonnoon. Great to see you at Introduce Yourself Weekend. Stage 32 has a Browse Members section where you can search for producers, writers, actors, and more (www.stage32.com/people).

Nice to meet you! Let us know what your projects are about!

Nice to meet you!

I have several original projects in development, including 5–6 series concepts and more than 10 feature film ideas across multiple genres.

My focus is on strong storytelling, unique concepts, and globally relatable themes.

Happy to share more details on any project if you’re interested.

Hi Muhammad Zonnoon, welcome to Stage 32, and thanks so much for such a thoughtful introduction. I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and I really appreciate how clearly you articulated both your creative strengths and what you’re looking for next.

As you start connecting more deeply here, I’d definitely encourage you to spend time in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing). Those spaces are very active and are great for sharing insights, discussing craft, and meeting producers and collaborators who are developing international projects.

The Writer’s Room can also be a strong resource as you continue developing and positioning your scripts. It’s an incredibly supportive environment with access to open writing assignments, direct Zoom calls with working professionals, and industry-facing feedback and mentorship. You can explore a free month of the Writer’s Room here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

If you’re interested in leveling up specific skills or getting guidance on pitching, packaging, or development, our Education Team can offer personalized recommendations from over 3,000 hours of on-demand Stage 32 education. You can reach them anytime at Edu@Stage32.com. And when you’re ready to focus more directly on connecting with the right producers, co-production partners, or development executives, our Success Team is there to help with curated resources and introductions at Success@Stage32.com.

I’d also love to invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful global connections, and make the most of the platform as you grow projects like these:

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun...

Really glad to have your voice and perspective here, and I look forward to seeing you around the community and learning more about your work.

Hey, Michael Dzurak. It seems like you've been here longer. Maybe because you're so active. Thanks for being so active in the community. I'm rsooting for you to reach your goals, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about your scripts!

Happy 2026 and the first IYW to you too, Maurice Vaughan! Thank you for the encouragement; it truly means a lot. I’m grateful we’ve crossed paths here; your support and energy always add something special to the conversation. And yes, I’ve been exploring the Browse Members section as part of building the right team. It’s such a valuable space, and I’m keeping an eye out for collaborators who align with the vision for both The Misstep and Soul Mated. Thank you for rooting for these projects. I’m cheering for your journey as well.

You're welcome, Sandra Isabel Correia.

Always glad to have your insights, Maurice! Thanks for being so consistent here!

You're welcome, Libby Wright. I appreciate it. I hope you're having a great year!

Congratulations on all your creative accomplishments.

Many thanks, Fabrizio -- and good luck with your projects!

Hi, George Edward Collins. Great to meet you. Congratulations on releasing your fourth album, getting a Double Recommend, and all your success!

I love meeting other creatives that play in lots of different creative fields. So nice to meet you!

Hi Sandra, and happy IYW! That’s a wonderful prompt, and a huge congratulations on the festival journey with The Misstep, exploring environment as a character is such a powerful approach. You can read the fantastic Stage 32 blog you likely shared, "The Importance of Location Management in Your Productions" (https://www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-location-management-in-yo...). It perfectly articulates what I feel instinctively: a location is never just a backdrop; it’s an active, silent character that can elevate a script from good to unforgettable

Sandra Isabel Correia I have to say how grateful I am for you, not just as a moderator or friend, but as a true global connector and creative force in this community. I’m so excited for you as you continue navigating the festival journey with The Misstep, and I love watching how you bring that same curiosity and care into the community spaces you moderate. Thank you for always opening the door for thoughtful conversation and reminding us that creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Happy IYW, my friend. Always cheering you on.

Maria Caeiro, what a beautiful message. Évora is such a treasure, a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with history, poetry, and that quiet magic that seeps into anyone who creates. Writing from there isn’t a limitation; it’s a gift. Your culture, your environment, your daily rhythms… they give your stories a texture and authenticity no one else can replicate.

And you’re absolutely right, distance only matters in the best way. This community proves every day that creativity travels farther than geography ever could.

Thank you so much for the good wishes for The Misstep. Sending the same belief back to you: dreams born in Évora can absolutely cross oceans.

Happy IYW, Sam Rivera, and thank you for such a generous message. I’m really glad the prompt resonated with you. And yes, that Stage 32 blog captures it beautifully. A location isn’t just scenery; it's the energy we bring to it. Thank you as well for the kind words about The Misstep’s festival journey. It means a lot <3

Ashley Renee Smith, your words mean more than you know. Thank you for seeing the intention behind what I do, the curiosity, the care, and the desire to make this community feel like a place where people can create and connect across borders. You embody that spirit just as much, and I’m constantly inspired by the way you show up here. I’m grateful to have you in my corner as The Misstep moves through its festival journey, and even more grateful for the friendship and creative energy we share in these spaces. Happy IYW to you too. I’m always cheering for you, right back.

Fabrizio Fracassi I am not in Switzerland. I once passed through Geneva Airport and then have seen plenty of photos of the country online. I simply imagined a futuristic Bern riffing off cyberpunk and futuristic stories.

Hi, Fabrizio Fracassi. It's great to see you at Introduce Yourself Weekend. Congratulations on all your accomplishments, and I hope you have more this year! I've been to Manhattan once. It's BUSY! I'm from a small town, so I wasn't used to it.

Hello,

nice to meet you, and congratulations on your great accomplishments.

Having a university background in filmmaking absolutely makes a difference compared to starting with passion and love alone.

I agree with you—Stage 32 is a great space to learn and grow within the industry. I personally feel very lucky to be here as well.

Dear Salisu Abdullahi Thank you for your insightful comment, I agree, when a project treats its language seriously, it creates a different kind of gravity. Swiss National Television certainly holds itself to very high standards of journalistic reporting.

Dear Morgan Aitken, I very much appreciate how carefully you read both the work and the intent behind it. You’re right about documentary editing training instincts that go beyond technique; it’s very much about ethics and responsibility toward the people being depicted, especially when the material carries real social weight.

What I’ve learned so far with Fuel is that the difference between “magic” and awkwardness often lies in very simple constraints: small groups and prompts that resonate with people and make it easy to inhabit a character. I’m still early in this iteration, but those patterns are already becoming visible.

I read your “About” section and was struck by your adventurous spirit. Wishing you much success with the production company you’re gearing up to start back in the "old country".